The true cost of wind energy is higher than most cost estimates calculate

This report explores the true cost of producing electricity from wind power. Rather than creating
a new cost estimate, we analyze the findings of prominent cost studies by experts in the energy
field. Each study includes different factors in its estimate of the cost of wind power. We break
down each of these factors and explain the significance of each. These factors include: capital
costs, operation and maintenance costs, capacity factor, transmission costs, baseload cycling,
social and environmental costs, and the cost of government subsidies. Other factors are more
difficult to quantify, but nevertheless add to the true cost of wind power. Such factors include:
opportunity cost of taxpayer dollars, reduced reliability of the grid, and higher electricity prices.

A detailed report that comes to the following conclusion:

CONCLUSION

The true cost of wind energy is higher than most cost estimates calculate. Mandates requiring the
use of wind energy increase electricity costs for consumers, and subsidies mask the actual cost of
doing so. RPS require intermittent renewable energy to exist, but at the expense of utilities and
consumers. The PTC makes wind power cheaper for utilities and consumers, but at the expense
of taxpayers.
Through such policies, U.S. policymakers have essentially decided that electricity consumers
will have wind power, even if it is more expensive. The cost of this decision has fallen to U.S.
taxpayers and consumers of electricity. When weighing the costs and benefits of wind power, not
including all of the hidden costs makes wind power appear to be a more attractive option than it
actually is. Energy policy decisions, however, should be based on a more complete estimate of
the cost of wind energy.